With the conclusion of both the Republican and Democratic conventions, political eyes now shift toward the first presidential debate Oct. 3 at the University of Denver.

Among just a handful of swing states, Colorado is one of two — the other is Nevada — here in the West that both President Obama and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney are vying heavily to win in their quest for 270 electoral votes.

Join us Thursday, Sept. 13 at 7:30 a.m. in the auditorium of The Denver Post for a panel discussion that explores “How The West Will Be Won: Issues That Will Swing a Swing State.”

Panelists will include:

Michael Cortes, Ph.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, professional training in public policy analysis and community organizing, teaches social welfare and policy development courses, research interests include public policy advocacy and issues related to diversity and inclusion, former V.P. of National Council of La Raza.

Susan Daggett, Interim Director University of Denver Sturm College of Law Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute, former commissioner of Denver Water, founding board member of Greenprint Denver, with experience working for Earthjustice and in energy-related advocacy.

Richard “Dick” Lamm, Co-Director University of Denver Institute for Public Policy Studies, served three terms as Colorado Governor from 1975-1987, teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including “Hard Choices in Public Policy” and “Medical Policy.”

An injured Navy SEAL and his wife star in Congressman Ed Perlmutter’s first campaign ad, which went on the air today.

In 2007, Chad Stodden was shot in the chest in Iraq and flown to Germany. His wife, Deanne, was told she needed to get there within 24 hours, but she was in the process of moving and her passport and military ID were packed away. Enter Perlmutter, a Democrat, who helped her get the necessary documents.

“It was something he could do, and he did it. He’s not a politician, he’s a person first,” Deanne says.

Stodden now is a firefighter.

Perlmutter is running for his fourth term in the 7th Congressional District. He faces a challenge from Republican Joe Coors, who already is up on the air with several commercials, including one on energy.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.